This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen  [YA Fiction]

by Rachel, 8th grader

I loved the book This Lullaby because I could so easily connect to the characters and theme.  In this book I felt like I could form a relationship between the characters and I truly felt emotions for them. Dexter broke my heart when he broke up with Remy. I could understand just how she felt and was completely sucked into the book. I LOVED this story and the idea that life doesn’t follow rules. This inspired me and I can’t wait to read more Sarah Dessen books!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling  [J Fiction]

by Jess, 8th grader

It is Harry’s third year at Hogwarts and there is a killer on the loose. He’s coming to Hogwarts supposedly to kill Harry. Can Harry stay safe? Can they catch the murderer? As Harry’s history unfolds, so does this gut-wrenching mystery!

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen  [YA Fiction]

by Meghan, 8th grader

Along for the Ride is Sarah Dessen’s latest novel. In this book, Auden goes away to Colby, a small beach-side town, to spend the summer with her Dad and step-mom.  She falls in love (of course!) and learns to look at herself in a new way. I loved this book so much!!! <3

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli  [YA Fiction]

by Katie, 8th grader

Misha is a poor confused Gypsy during World War II in Milkweed. He finds himself in the Ghetto stealing to survive. I recommend this book because it is a very suspenseful and a very quick read. I highly enjoyed Milkweed, and think that you will too.

Ten Things I hate About Me by Randa Abdel-Fattah  [YA Fiction]

by Aziza, 8th grader

At a glance, this book seemed like a very interesting read and something I could relate to- being an American Muslim. However, I found myself unable to pass page 9 due to the poor writing the author has filled the pages with. If you’re looking for a good read on similar topics, I would suggest finding another author, because this book was a very unfortunate waste of my time.

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty  [YA Fiction]

by Jill, 7th grader

The Pen Pal Program between two rival high schools has started again. Three best friends get paired with three boys, and the drama begins! There’s kissing and playing, but overall this book was amazing!

A Child Called “It” by Dave Pelzer  [Adult Biography]

by Ali, 8th grader

This is an amazingly depressing story about one child’s courage to survive. This is a true story about the child’s abusive life- this book will make you laugh, cry, and smile.

For One More Day by Mitch Albom  [Adult Fiction]

by Aziza, 8th grader

If you could spend one more day with a lost loved one, how would you spend it? Mitch Albom explores this question in For One More Day. I truly enjoyed this emotional story and think we can all learn a lesson from Mitch Albom’s work- as he conveys such powerful messages to his readers. I think you will be inspired after finishing this book, because I certainly was. It’s a MUST READ!

You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith  [YA Fiction]

by Jill, 7th grader

A girl who is a family outcast goes on a cross-country quest. She doesn’t know why she is the only different one in her family. She finds a  birth certificate for a twin brother she never knew she had, and sets out to find herself. Her journey is full of desire, mystery, determination, and love. This is a book you will never forget!

Avalon High by Meg Cabot  [YA Fiction]

by Jessica,  8th grader

When you start reading Avalon High you will probably think it’s just another boy meets girl story, but as the story unfolds things take a wild and unexpected turn.  Is Will a reincarnated King Arthur? Is Marco going to kill him? Can Elaine stop history from repeating itself, or will Will end up like all the other supposed reincarnated Arthurs? Dead.